Page 46 of The Mended Hearts Bookshop

“You’re sure you don’t mind?” Pen asked when the newsagent had left. “I’m not throwing you out or anything.”

“Pen, you’ve been my guardian angel, my miracle, I don’t know how to thank you enough.” Lucy blushed. “But, um, I did see that most of those letters that Billy gave you were bills. It looks like it’s best for us all if I stand on my own two feet as quickly as possible.”

Pen’s mouth turned sour. She hated that other people knew, she couldn’t help but find it shameful. But it wasn’t like she’d spent the money on wine, women, and song. She’d just… She sighed. It had just got out of her control. The giving to charity, the lending money, the money that had to go into the bakery. One minute she’d been on top of it, the next she’d been ignoring letters so hard she’d practically turned cross-eyed from it.

“Pen, Pen!”

Both women turned as George rushed into the shop.

Pen’s heart sank again. Oh god, now George must know as well. Which was not only embarrassing, but he’d be angry that she hadn’t told him. He was supposed to be her best friend.

“Pen, Billy,” George said.

“Billy… what?” Pen asked.

George leaned on the counter getting his breath back.

“You know, the bookshop is only just next door,” Lucy said. “You might want to work on your cardio.”

“I. Do. Yoga,” panted George. He took a deep breath, then another. “I just had a brainwave and I rushed up the stairs from the cellar and then right over.” He glared at Lucy. “And my cardiac health is excellent, thank you.”

“Mmm,” said Lucy disbelievingly.

“So what’s this brainwave?” Pen asked.

“Billy,” said George. “He’s got a spare room and was talking about renting it out except he didn’t want to run it like an AirBnB or anything just for the summer tourists. He wanted someone long term and no one bit, so he gave up on the idea. But it’s a nice place, close to the beach, light and nicely furnished.”

“How would you know about that?” Pen asked, squinting at George who was rapidly beginning to flush.

“Um, well, it’s…” He gulped. “It’s all a bit new and I didn’t want to say anything too soon and it’s only been a couple of dates really.”

“George! Have you got a boyfriend?” Pen screeched.

“And what a boyfriend,” said Lucy. “Those broad shoulders and big muscles from carrying sacks of letters. He’s gorgeous, Billy is.”

“Yeah, well,” George said, still blushing. “He’s also got a spare room if you’re interested?”

“Does that mean I’ll get to make you coffee every morning?” asked Lucy innocently.

“Get on with you,” said George. “Go and get your coat and I’ll take you over to have a look at it, if you want? I’ve already told Billy someone might be interested.”

Lucy bounced off grinning, leaving George and Pen alone.

“I can’t believe that I didn’t know you had a crush on Billy,” Pen said. “I was so immersed in my own thing that I was blind to it. Oh, I’m sorry, George. I’ve been a crappy friend.”

“No, you’ve been a worried friend,” George said. He came closer, took Pen’s hands. “Why didn’t you tell me, Pen?”

“Because I was ashamed,” she said.

“Not that,” said George, scowling. “I get that. I mean, it’s terrible but Ash says we can help work things out and I cantotally see how getting into debt happens. I meant about you and Her Royal Highness making out in the middle of the day.”

“We didn’t make out, it was one kiss,” Pen said. “And it literally just happened, I haven’t had a chance to tell you about it yet.”

George grinned at her. “I’m happy for you, Pen.”

“Nothing big has happened yet. It’s just… it’s just a little tingle right now. We’ll see if anything comes of it.”

“Maybe she’s not that bad,” George said grudgingly. He sniffed. “Listen, Pen, I want to talk business for a minute. I’ve got a bit saved up and—”

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